Game grades

GIANTS 33, 49ERS 15

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, October 21, 2007

OFFENSE: C -

There was nothing wrong with the plays or the game plan. The problem was execution. Trent Dilfer was sacked six times, fumbled twice and threw two interceptions. Tackles Jonas Jennings and Joe Staley struggled mightily against Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan, respectively. The 49ers had no answer to the pressure New York brought on Dilfer on several damaging occasions. Four turnovers by the 49ers were turned into 24 points by the Giants, dooming whatever production the 49ers managed.

DEFENSE: B+

Once again, the defense was put in impossible situations by the offense, this time because of turnovers instead of an endless series of three-and-outs. Except for two drives that produced nine points, the Giants did little against the 49ers. New York had only 279 total yards and Eli Manning passed for 146. San Francisco's secondary did well against wideouts Plaxico Burress and Armani Toomer. Cornerback Nate Clements limited the towering Burress to five catches for 43 yards and no touchdowns. Where the Giants damaged the 49ers was in the running game as Brandon Jacobs averaged 5.9 yards per carry.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

The most consistent unit on the team excelled once again. The Giants did nothing in the return game, either on punts or kickoffs. Moran Norris blocked Jeff Feagles' punt out of the end zone for a safety in the third quarter. Andy Lee, bidding to become the 49ers' most valuable player in a greatly disappointing season, averaged 52.6 yards on five punts.

COACHING: A-

Offensive coordinator Jim Hostler, working in the coaches' box for the first time this season, crafted a splendid game plan seriously undermined by the players. He called for more downfield passes than any game this season and Dilfer ended up throwing to nine different receivers. Forgotten man Ashley Lelie showed his talent on a 47-yard reception. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was put in an untenable position because of the offense's four turnovers but his unit still excelled after giving up a touchdown on a long New York drive to open the game. A tip of the hat as well to special-teams coordinator Al Everest, whose guys have played at a high level all season.

Player of the game: Lelie. Granted, he caught only two passes but one went for 47 yards and showed the utter stupidity of keeping him on the sideline all season to this point. As a wide receiver of another generation said famously, just throw him the damn ball.